Should I take a PL slot? How to best navigate concerns by my chain of command?

2014-04-24T00:19:13-04:00

Was told via e-mail by the former BDE CHEMO that I needed to go visit with the CAV SCO to interview for the only PL slot on post for my branch. After I did, I found out that the SCO did not send it out to any of the BN CDRs, nor through BDE. The first notice to them was the email stating who got it. The BC now thinks I kind of went behind his back to do this. I'm not too worried about the tiny bit of chewing I got, but if I were to be offered the position later, with the same SCO in place, should I take it, if I have the chance?

I like the current unit I'm in. It's probably the best unit on post (demonstrated by the fact that the BDE CDR, XO, and CSM are from us). I don't necessarily like what I do, but I can deal with it.

I am not looking to go over anyone's head or behind their back. I also don't want my career to stall out at MAJ, if I choose to stay that long, just because of a foolish decision as a LT

Thanks

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 24 at 2014 8:23 AM

2014-04-24T08:23:15-04:00

Joshua,

Please enjoy your LT time. Allowed and encouraged to make little mistakes at your rank.

With that said, the Army is downsizing and need to be your own best career manager.

Sounds like you're still trying to decide whether to make the Army your career. Whether or not you do, you'll leave the Army one day. Need to start planning and preparing for that now. I say our profession is an Army Officer, but your business is YOU.

On the personal financial side, I recommend people have a solid financial plan, that is why I wrote my book http://www.WagingWarOnDebt.com to equip you to kill debt & create wealth.

Continued Success,

MAJ $

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Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Apr 24 at 2014 8:37 AM

2014-04-24T08:37:50-04:00

From looking at your profile, I did not see any PL time. I may not be an officer, but in my opinion, I would take the PL time. It would be a great help when you pick up CPT and eventually take command.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 24 at 2014 8:48 AM

2014-04-24T08:48:12-04:00

Take the job. One thing about pissing someone off is that they'll get over it. The only person responsible for your career is yourself and in order to do what's best for you sometimes that means you are going to piss people off. No matter what rank it is. I piss people off every day (can you believe that).

People upset about someone who "may" have gone behind their back is petty stuff. If someone calls you for an interview, there's a reason. If they didn't tell anyone else, there's also a reason. Neither one of those were your decisions.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 10:48 AM

2014-04-24T10:48:00-04:00

Take the PL slot if offered, leading and being among troops is some of the most fun you will have in your career. Trust me, there will be plenty of opportunities to serve on staff in your career. As for your current boss, explain what happened to him. If he is still being unreasonable it may be an indicator that it was time to move on anyways. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 10:55 AM

2014-04-24T10:55:32-04:00

Sir, take the PLT slot if available, work with your NCO's
utilizing their knowledge in making decisions, and take charge when needed
without hesitation. Hopefully you’ll be afforded the time and leeway by your
command to make critical decisions, which will help build your confidence and
trust in your abilities to lead. It's one of the first steps in leader
development that will serve you well as you continue move forward in your
career.

And remember if you can't explain what/why
you’re doing something then you probably shouldn't be doing it. But if you feel comfortable
that you can stand at attention in front of your BDE Commander and explain why
you took whatever action you did, untilizing the info at hand. Then by all means do so. Soldiers want a leader who takes charge.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 2:29 PM

2014-04-24T14:29:16-04:00

Thank you all for your feedback. One thing I am thankful of is the ARSTRUC is moving the CM unit to another BN. That should eliminate part of my concerns. I double-checked with my BDE CHEMO this morning. A guy that works in the BDE CUOPS AND is the BDE CHEMO should have known about this. He was not informed about it at any level. Part of the concern I voiced is, in part, because, while I want the PL time and experience, I don't know that I want it at the expense of being in a unit that I might get thrown under the bus. No one at the BDE even knew about this; that concerns me even more.

Response by COL Jonas Vogelhut made Jul 5 at 2014 2:25 PM

2014-07-05T14:25:00-04:00

Our Army values leadership positions and leadership time. We respect staff time, and it will help you converse with others as you progress, but promotion boards looks at the leadership time as the determining factor for promotion. Can you get promoted to CPT without being a PL....yes. But are they going to give you a Company to command if it would be unclear if you could mentor platoon leaders while never being one?

As for upsetting your chain of command while looking for a job outside the organization...that is normal. But be careful. You want your chain of command not only to give you great OERs, but the hardest jobs so you can get the most experience.

Seek your local chain of command's support to get PL time. You may even have to teach folks what the right career path is for you. There are plenty of folks who would help inform your chain of command on what the best career path is for Chemical LTs.

Good luck.